Flooding puts entire B.C. village on evacuation alert, threatens Highway 99 access

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 13, 2026

Photo courtesy: Global News

Rising floodwaters have placed the entire Village of Pemberton under an evacuation alert, while parts of nearby Squamish have been advised to shelter in place as heavy rainfall threatens homes, roads and access to surrounding communities.

The Village of Pemberton expanded its evacuation alert to cover the entire community on November 11, warning residents to prepare to leave on short notice. An evacuation order was also issued for properties along Airport Road, affecting addresses from 1674 to 2000 Airport Road. 

Authorities are particularly concerned about Highway 99, a major route connecting Pemberton to Whistler.

The Pemberton Valley Dyking District warned that floodwaters near the Pemberton Creek Bridge, close to One Mile Lake, could spill onto the highway and cut off southbound road access toward Whistler with little warning.

Heavy rainfall has also increased the risk of landslides and debris affecting travel routes.

Residents who can safely remain in their homes have been advised to shelter in place and avoid unnecessary travel. Those who may need to leave for medical or other essential reasons were urged to make arrangements while routes remain safe and accessible. 

Flooding has also disrupted access in the Squamish area.

The District of Squamish issued a shelter-in-place advisory on November 12 for parts of Paradise Valley, including areas near Sunwolf Lodge and Cheekye Ranch.

The advisory followed increased water releases from the Cheakamus Dam at Daisy Lake. BC Hydro warned that the releases could cause localized flooding downstream.

Paradise Valley Road had already begun flooding and was considered unsafe for travel. Officials said the duration of the disruption would depend on dam discharge levels and weather conditions.

The BC River Forecast Centre has also issued a flood warning covering the Pemberton Valley and other parts of the South Coast as rivers continue to rise.

An evacuation alert means residents should be ready to leave if conditions worsen, while an evacuation order requires people in the affected area to leave.

Emergency officials have urged residents to prepare essential supplies, including medications, important documents and emergency kits. People have also been warned not to walk or drive through floodwaters.

Emergency Support Services have been made available at the Pemberton & District Community Centre for residents who cannot safely remain at their properties and need to move to higher ground.